Fashion Nova is an online fast fashion retailer that has become hugely popular in recent years. Known for its trendy and affordable women’s clothing, Fashion Nova has expanded into men’s fashion as well. However, some male shoppers have found that Fashion Nova’s men’s sizes tend to run smaller than expected.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at whether Fashion Nova men’s clothing does indeed run small compared to other brands. We’ll consider factors like differences in sizing charts, quality of materials, and body type accommodation. By the end, you should have a clear answer to the question “does Fashion Nova men’s run small?”
Key Reasons Why Fashion Nova Men’s May Run Small
Vanity Sizing Differences
One of the main reasons why Fashion Nova men’s clothing may seem small is vanity sizing. Many mass market brands deliberately size clothes larger to make customers feel better about themselves. For example, a size Large t-shirt from a typical mall brand may actually measure more like an Extra Large.
Fashion Nova does not appear to practice vanity sizing to the same extent. So if you are used to wearing a Large from big box stores, a Large from Fashion Nova may feel too small by comparison.
Slimmer Cuts
Another reason Fashion Nova men’s clothes can feel small is that many items have a slim or skinny fit. This includes skinny jeans, slim-fit hoodies and sweatpants, and tailored button down shirts.
If you normally wear straight or relaxed fit clothing from other brands, switching to Fashion Nova’s slim-cut gear can make items feel tighter and smaller than expected.
Less Stretch in Materials
Many fast fashion brands use materials like stretch denim, spandex blends, and polyester blends to create stretch in clothes. This can accommodate different body types.
By contrast, some Fashion Nova men’s items like jeans use stiffer, non-stretch denim. Others may use natural materials like 100% cotton with less “give.” So if you’re used to clothes with more stretch from other brands, Fashion Nova’s items can feel smaller.
Tips For Finding the Right Fashion Nova Men’s Size
If you’re having issues with sizing, here are some tips on finding clothes from Fashion Nova men’s that will fit correctly:
- Carefully measure your body and compare to Fashion Nova’s size chart
- Read product details to see if an item runs large, small, or true to size
- For pants, pay attention to cut (skinny, slim, etc) and fabric stretch
- Size up if between sizes or if you want a looser fit
- Check reviews to see what other buyers say about sizing
Do All Fashion Nova Men’s Items Run Small?
While many Fashion Nova men’s clothes do seem to run on the smaller side, not all items have this issue. Here is a quick breakdown by product type:
Jeans and Pants
Most customer reviews indicate jeans and pants from Fashion Nova men’s tend to run about a size small on average. Skinny jeans in particular are extremely tight-fitting by design.
Hoodies and Sweatshirts
These seem to be cut fairly true to size, though slim-fit hoodies are of course more fitted. Size up for a baggier sweatshirt.
T-Shirts
Basic tees seem true to size, though slim fit shirts are more tailored. Tank tops and muscle tees also tend to run small based on feedback.
Button Down Shirts
Dress shirts and casual woven button downs seem true to size for most body types. Just pay attention to whether the product description indicates a tailored, slim, or relaxed fit.
Athletic Wear
Joggers, shorts, and activewear like leggings and compression gear seem to fit as expected. These items typically have stretch fabrics too.
Suits and Blazers
Surprisingly, most reviewers say Fashion Nova men’s suits and sport coats run large – so you may need to size down for a properly tailored fit.
Who Might Find Fashion Nova Men’s Clothing Runs Small?
While experiences vary individually, some male body types are more likely to find Fashion Nova men’s gear feeling too small or tight, including:
- Men used to looser fits from mainstream mall brands
- Athletic or muscular builds
- Tall men over 6’2″
- Plus-size men used to bigger cuts
- Men with broad shoulders or large arms
- Older middle-aged men used to relaxed fits
Younger, slim to average-built men are likely to find Fashion Nova’s skinny and modern cuts fit as expected. But buffer or bigger guys may want to size up.
The Takeaway – Consider Sizing Up
While select items like suits run large, overall Fashion Nova men’s clothing does tend to fit smaller than comparable gear from mainstream brands. Reasons range from vanity sizing differences, to slimmer cuts, to non-stretchy fabrics.
If Fashion Nova’s stylish clothes appeal to you, avoid a poor fit by sizing up from your normal size with other retailers. Pay close attention to product size charts and reviews too. This simple tweak makes all the difference in getting great-fitting fashion finds from this popular e-tailer.
